You know, I really wanted to like Atwater Lebkuchen Christmas Ale going in. Truth be told, I did like it, though not as much as I thought I would. First off, I love Lebkuchen, those spicy German cookies that are wonderful around the holidays. Secondly, though, it’s great that Atwater isn’t afraid to call this “Christmas Ale”. So few breweries do this day, but the notion of special beers for the holiday season originate with English Christmas Ale and German Weihnachtsbier (Christmas beer). So, kudos for a Christmas Ale, Atwater.
Anyway, I was happy to see this beer on the shelf at Total Wine and picked up a bottle to bring home and enjoy. I fast-tracked it to the top of my beers-waiting-to-be-drunk list, such was my excitement regarding the brew.
From the website:
Spiced subtly with locally produced ginger and almond flavorings to enhance the cookie-like impression of the beer.
And from the label:
Like trimming the tree, this beer should be part of every holiday tradition.
Atwater Lebkuchen Christmas Ale has an alcohol content of 6.5% by volume with 28 IBUs and sells for $11.99 a six-pack here in Georgia.
Atwater Lebkuchen Christmas Ale pours to a hazy brown color with a medium head of creamy foam and a sweet cookie malt nose laced with hints of almond and cherry. Taking a sip, the beer has some nutty cookie malt up front and the dry almond flavors definitely come through, but I’m not really getting the ginger or spices that would recall such a cookie to me. I know they might drown out the almond, and the beer is pleasant enough in an almond cookie sort of way.
They certainly got the cookie malts right anyway, and I like that, as well as the dry almondy notes. I would like more ginger and spice, but then again that might drown out the almond. I guess I want everything, but all in all and considering the higher than average price I’ll give this one 3 ½ stars.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft